Back problems are one of the most common reasons to see a doctor. As per one study, approximately 80% of people experience back pain during their lifetime. Though for the vast majority of these people the pain will subside naturally without the need for surgery. While the remaining still require a proper care and medication or spine surgery to get rid of their back problems.
What is Spine Surgery?
Spine surgery is an invasive pain management procedure in which a specially trained doctor (the surgeon) uses instruments to make incisions to repair damaged spinal tissues. Or in other words Spine surgery whether back or neck surgery, can be sum up as an advanced treatment option for pain and disability caused by an identifiable lesion in the patient’s anatomy that has not adequately improved with non-surgical treatments. Although spinal arthritis tends to be chronic, the symptoms are rarely progressive and rarely require surgery on the painful spinal joints.
Types of Spine Surgery
There are different types of Spine surgeries, which include the following:
Discectomy: is a procedure to remove a portion of the disc that rests between each vertebrae. A herniated disc is the most common reason for spine surgery. In this type of spine surgery, the herniated disc is removed and relieves the pressure on the nerves.
Foraminotomy: is also a procedure used to relieve pressure on a nerve, but in this case, the nerve is being pinched by more than just herniated disc. A foramenotomy removes a portion of bone and other tissue that may be compressing the nerve as it exits the spinal column.
Spine Fusion: is a surgery that is done to eliminate motion between adjacent vertebrae. The spine fusion may be done because to treat a problem such as spondylolisthesis (unstable spine), or it may be done because of the extent of other surgery (such as a laminectomy).
Spinal Disc Replacement: is a new surgery that is still quite uncommon. Spine disc replacement is done to treat specific types of back pain, while avoiding the problems associated with spine fusion surgery.
Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Spine Surgery: When the cervical disease encompasses more than just the disc space, the spine surgeon may recommend removal of the vertebral body as well as the disc spaces at either end, to completely decompress the cervical canal. This procedure is often done for multi-level cervical stenosis with spinal cord compression caused by bone spur (osteophytes) growth.
Cervical Spine Surgery: is performed for variety of cervical spine problems. Generally, surgery may be performed for degenerative disorders, trauma or instability. These conditions may produce pressure on the spinal cord or on the nerves coming from the spine. The goal this surgery is to relieve pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, restore nerve function and prevent spinal abnormal motion.
Lumbar Laminectomy: is a surgical procedure most often performed to treat leg pain related to herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other related conditions. The goal of a laminectomy is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve by widening the spinal canal. This is done by removing or trimming the lamina (roof) of the vertebrae to create more space for the nerves.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery: is an operation on the lumbar spine performed using a surgical endoscope and microsurgical techniques. This type of surgery is performed by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons who are experts in diagnosing the causes of back and neck pain and recognizing when a patient is likely to get better with surgery
Vertebroplasty: is a procedure in which a special type of synthetic cement material is injected inside the broken spine bone, giving excellent results in pain relief with very low incidence of side effects. This procedure can be safely done in osteoporotic fractures, painful spine bones after spread of cancer, non cancerous painful tumors of spine bones or to augment strength of weak spine bone prior to insertion of screws to increase the holding power of the weak bones for other surgical procedures.
Common Spinal Conditions
Facet joint osteoarthritis is a gradual process that breaks down cartilage between joints. The loss of cartilage causes more friction between the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. This disorder can also result in compression of nerves, which causes pain as well.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal or neural passageways (foramina) that can place pressure on nerves in the spinal cord. Stenosis is a gradual result of aging, and wear and tear on the spine.
Degenerative disc disease is a gradual process that affects the structural integrity of discs. As people age, disc moisture decreases, resulting in discs that may shrink, wrinkle and even crack. These disc changes allow vertebral structures to compress, resulting in less space for nerves to exit the spinal column. The compressed nerves may swell and cause pain.
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips over another, causing spine misalignment and instability. It may be present at birth and develop over time, or be the result of physical activity or deteriorating spinal parts, such as discs.
Disc herniation is a rupture of the disc where the inner core of the disc bulges out through the outer layer. If the bulging disc presses on a spinal nerve, the pressure can cause pain. A common symptom of a herniated disc is sciatica, the term used to describe pain that travels downward along the sciatic nerve from the buttock to the thigh and leg. Herniated discs are also known as “slipped” or “ruptured” discs.
Osteoporosis is a disorder caused by bone mineral loss that results in fragile bones. This disorder can cause vertebral compression fractures or a humped back.
In addition to these common conditions associated with back pain, there are many other possible causes of chronic pain, including pregnancy, injury, infection and tumors. Pregnancy stresses the back and may contribute to pain that lasts several months, but generally this pain subsides and is not indicative of a chronic condition. In any case, persistent pain requires that the sufferer seek a more specific and definable problem after a wait-and-see period has elapsed.
Am I the candidate for Spine Surgery?
Surgery should always be the last resort when it comes to treating spinal conditions in the neck and back. However, if you have tried all the non-operative treatments without improvement or worsening over a 6-12 month period, then you become the candidate for a spine surgery for certain specific conditions such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis. Your decision for surgery should be individualized to the patient and the patient’s symptoms, along with their level of function.
Preparing for the Spine Surgery
This is the most critical step towards. The surgeon's medical assistant or nurse provides the patient with a written list of instructions to follow before surgery. Instructions include how to prepare the home for post-operative care, planning for the patient's transportation needs, special information about taking current medications, to leave valuables at home, a reminder not to eat or drink anything the evening before surgery, and what time to report to the surgical facility. t the surgical facility, the patient checks in and is escorted to a pre-surgical area where the patient is prepared for surgery. Here the patient changes into a hospital gown. The patient's pre-surgical nurse verifies the patient's name, type of surgery to be performed, and reviews their medical history including allergies. An intravenous line (IV) is started. Different types of necessary medications are injected through the IV into the patient's bloodstream. Light sedating medication may be given to the patient through the IV. Some patients become so relaxed that they do not remember being taken to the operating room.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients are able to get up out of bed and start walking shortly after surgery, usually on the same or following day. For the first 6 weeks, the activity level is limited to walking and normal daily activities. Most patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, frequent bending, twisting or turning or climbing during the first 6 week period. After 6 weeks, patients begin a physical therapy and exercise program to achieve rapid recovery and strength. By 3 months a gradual increase in normal activities as well as the institution of low impact sporting activities can be started. At 6 weeks, all activities are begun, including sports.
Benefits of Spine Surgery
Its an easy way to get rid of your back pain
Pain free life
Almost nil postoperative pain
Risk factor
Potential risks associated with spine surgery include anesthesia complications, blood clots, allergic reactions and adverse effects due to undiagnosed medical problems, such as silent heart disease. Spinal nerves are extremely sensitive. One or more can be damaged during any spine surgery procedure. A spinal fusion might not bond well at the operated levels, which may ask for surgery operation.
Spine Surgery in India
Besides, the cost factor, the other factors which drives the international patients is the quality which is delivered. It is often goes par with international benchmark as practiced in the developed nations like the US or UK. India has a rich medical infrastructure; with most of the hospitals catering various medical services happen to a top class modern treatment centres abreast with state-of-art technologies as witnessed in the developed nations. Whereas coming down to India isn’t a big deal, Indian government has no stringent rules applied for medical tourists, so getting a visa for your Spine surgery in India. Moreover, since India happens had a British rule in the past, hence English is widely spoken, so it becomes easy for a foreign patient to interact.
Indian spinal surgeons are the most competent in performing various surgeries, as they have ample of experience of handling cases regardless of its complexity. Most of them are accredited from prestigious foreign universalities. They have a good success rate and are world renowned medical professionals known to cater service both India and abroad. Most of them are qualified and trained in developed nations like the US or UK from prestigious universities who have the history of producing skilled surgeons.
Spine Surgery in India is available at world class hospitals in the following cities:
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Kerala
Delhi
Pune
Goa
Bangalore
Nagpur
Jaipur
Chennai
Gurgaon
Chandigarh
These places deliver a patient world class spine surgery at tailor made packages which suits all his or her needs and requirements. The special feature of these places are there is no patient wait list, however, the Indians follow the concept of the preference given to the urgent medical treatments. So in nutshell, Spine Surgery in India not only helps the foreign patient in their back pains related treatments by packaging their medical trip to India but it also offers a full complement of surgical as well as physiotherapy services for you and that too combined with your post - discharge recuperative holidays, which helps to recover fast.
Cost of Spine Surgery in India
Cost is the most prominent benefit for which the foreign patients avail Spine surgery in India. The exorbitant cost difference, which comes to around 40-70% less as compared to any developed nations like US and UK, as indicated below. Here is the cost comparison of surgery in India and other countries.
Procedure
USA ($)
Thailand ($)
UK($)
India ($)
Complex Spine Surgery with Implants
13,500
13,000
13,000
7,500
Spinal Fusion
62,000
70,000
65,000
5,500
Simple Spine Surgery
15,000
15,000
13,000
2,100
Knee Replacement
40,000
10,000
13,000
6,500
Some of the common countries from which patients travel to India for surgery are:
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Nigeria
Kenya
Ethiopia
Uganda
Tanzania
Zambia
Congo
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Nepal
Uzbekhistan
ABOUT INDIA
Located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Nepal, China and Bangladesh, India is South Asia's largest, sovereign, democratic republic. India has an edge over other countries when it comes to offering comprehensive, cost-effective and timely medical care: it also offers an exotic, adventure-filled or cultural -if you wish array of destinations to discover and revel in for the travelers. Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, Bangalore, Nagpur, Kerala, Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh offers best medical tourism service.
Mumbai - A city quite unlike any other in the whole of India, Mumbai (previously named Bombay) is an island city, being located on Salsette Island, alongside the Arabian Sea. With an appealing coastline, many of Mumbai's top resorts and tourist attractions lie around its main beaches, which include both Juhu Beach and also Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, where evening funfairs provide plenty of atmosphere.
Hyderabad - Hyderabad city is the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, in the region of Telangana. Hyderabad city is known for its rich history, food and its multi-lingual culture, both geographically and culturally. Founded in the year 1591 by fifth Qutb Shahi Ruler Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. Now known as the historicold city, home to the Charminar, Falaknuma Palace, Chowmallah Palace and Makkah Masjid, it lies on the southern bank of the river.
Goa – Goa, a small enclave on the West Coast of India is one of the best holiday destinations in the World. Famous for its long stretch of beaches dotted with shacks, it is a favorite destination for the European tourists who flock to Goa during the winter months. Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious slice of India
Bangalore - Bangalore, the capital of the Karnataka, is fifth largest city in India. Few Cities in the World has the power to attract and motivate a casual visitor to move there permanently. Bangalore is one of those rare cities, which makes people who are new to the City to call themselves proud Bangaloreans. Bangalore, with a wonderful climate is already a Pensioner's Paradise.
Nagpur - Capital of the "land of oranges" and geographically at the virtual centre of India, Nagpur is endowed with rich forest resources and in itself is the second greenest city in India. The forests around Nagpur are full of best quality teak plantations. Shopping in Nagpur may turn out to be a pleasant experience for the discerning shopper. Nagpur is designed specifically for its many tourists and families to avoid any small annoyances.
Kerala - The Land Kerala is a dramatic, narrow, leaf-shaped strip of land, flanked by the formidable Western Ghats on the east, and the Arabian Sea on the west. A land of unabashed wealth, its people are amongst the most progressive and literate of the Indian populace. This tropical spice garden has lured the Arabs, Chinese and Europeans for many centuries. Christianity and Judaism entered the subcontinent through the legendary white sand beaches of Kerala.
Delhi - Delhi the capital of India main point of arrival for overseas visitors, and the major transport hub. Delhi is just not a city but it is a book that narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various events, which has brought India through the history books.
Pune - The city of Pune is situated in Maharashtra and is said to be the cultural capital of the state. Located at a distance of approximately 120 km from Mumbai, the city is one of major tourist destinations in India. The rich history, architecture and culture of the city makes it a must visit destination for the tourist coming to India.
Jaipur – The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur. Jaipur offers World Class Medical Facilities, comparable with any of the western countries. It has state of the art Hospitals and the best qualified doctors.
Chennai – The Gateway to South India, Chennai is famous for its sandy beaches, parks and historic landmarks. With a very distinct culture, the people of Chennai have a special interest in music, dance and all other art forms of South India. Capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai has embraced both the new and the old with ease
Gurgaon – Gurgaon, the commercial capital of Haryana, is one of the most sought after destination for MNCs, Corporate, residents and Investors as it offers world class standard of living and globally comparable business address in the form of IT parks and Business Centers and along with that very prominent medical hub.
Chandigarh - Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life, which is unparalleled. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature's preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads.
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